Former Steeler Morgan Burnett feeling new burn with Browns

Monday

Morgan Burnett played a key role for Pittsburgh in a December win over the Patriots. He believes he has more than enough left to help the 2019 Browns.

BEREA It remains to be seen whether the most experienced position player on the entire Browns roster has enough left to matter.

But consider this. Morgan Burnett had enough left in the middle of December to play a key role for Pittsburgh in the Steelers' best game of 2018. He logged more than three-quarters of the defensive snaps in a 17-10 conquest of the team that went on to win Super Bowl 53.

Burnett's only year as a Steeler (after eight with the Packers) was full of warts. He lost four games to injuries early. His playing time was spotty when he came back. Only after a three-game losing streak put the team on the ropes did he become a major player, starting with the conquest of New England. That stretch was not enough, and Baltimore passed the Steelers to win the AFC North.

When on the field, Burnett's impact was felt.

"Morgan adds a physical presence," Steelers defensive lineman Bud Dupree said. "He can play in the box. He can cover at safety. He’s a big body who can bring it downhill.”

The Packers had moved on from Burnett shortly after Mike Pettine replaced Dom Capers as defensive coordinator last year. As recently as 2016, when the Packers reached the NFC finals, Burnett played the second-most defensive snaps on the team. Burnett played inside linebacker, deep safety and slot cornerback across his final two seasons in Green Bay. He left for Pittsburgh as a free agent via a three-year, $14.3 million contract. The Steelers cut him after one year.

John Dorsey was a personnel executive in Green Bay when the Packers spent a third-round pick on Burnett in 2010. Dorsey remained with the Packers through the first three years of Burnett's career and now, as general manager of the Browns, has not forgotten.

"I appreciate Mr. Dorsey giving me this opportunity," said Burnett. "I never lost that confidence, even going through adversity last year. I still believed I could play at a high level."

Burnett sees Dorsey's commanding persona influencing the young players in Berea. He was in their shoes when Dorsey walked the Packers' halls.

"A young player will look at him with wide eyes," Burnett said. "I've developed a lot of respect for him. He's fun to be around. He's real personable. He makes it easier for you."

Burnett has played in 124 NFL games, including 11 starts in postseason games. His size (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) is linked to his versatility. He was a centerpiece of Capers' "Nitro" package that assigned a smaller, fast player to perform linebacker duties.

One reason the Steelers wanted him was to fulfill some duties that had been performed by injured linebacker Ryan Shazier.

Burnett signed with the Browns not long after Dorsey traded away versatile safety Jabrill Peppers in the Odell Beckham deal. Burnett and safety Jermaine Whitehead will be watched by coaches as roles are streamlined in training camp. Burnett's former Packers teammate Damarious Randall is viewed as the 2019 Browns' top safety.

Burnett more or less rested during minicamp to ensure he will be fresh for training camp. The brass isn't saying much about him, even though the brass knows everything.

New defensive passing game coordinator Joe Whitt was a Green Bay coach throughout Burnett's run with the Packers. Browns personnel executives Alonzo Highsmith and Eliot Wolf worked for Green Bay throughout Burnett's time there.

Burnett will turn 31 in January. He was signed in part because Dorsey wants the Browns in the playoffs then.

"I look at myself in the mirror, and being honest, I might not be as fast as I was at 21," Burnett said. "But I have more experience. I have more knowledge. More understanding. Route recognition. Play recognition.

"I have things that allow me to play quicker. As a younger player, you try to do everything perfect, just the way the coach draws it up, and you don't always trust your instincts."

Burnett won't allow himself to be drawn into a conversation about facing the Browns twice during his 2018 stay with the Steelers. That was then, he says. He's focused on now.

He smiled, though, when someone mentioned how Browns fans feel about Pittsburgh.

"I got that feeling last year," he said.

Reach Steve at 330-580-8347 or

steve.doerschuk@cantonrep.com

On Twitter: @sdoerschukREP

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.